When you go camping, one of the most important things to bring is food. But what if you donโt have a cooler? No problem! There are plenty of food items that can be safely eaten without refrigeration.
How can I go camping without a cooler?
When you think of camping food, you probably think of hot dogs and burgers. But those need to be kept cool throughout the trip. Otherwise, theyโll spoil, and youโll get food poisoning. The same goes for other meat products, including chicken, turkey, and fish. So, if you donโt have a cooler, you need to focus on food items that donโt require refrigeration.
Of course, your drinks will still need to be kept cool, so make sure to bring a cooler for those. However, if youโre running low on cooler space, there are a few food items you can prioritize over others. Here are nine food items to bring camping with no cooler-
PB&J sandwiches.
This made the top of the list because itโs an obvious food to bring camping with no cooler. But, it is the perfect food since it doesnโt require refrigeration and can be eaten anytime.
You can either pre-make them or make them at the campsite. If you pre-make them, be sure to put them in a Ziploc bag or another type of airtight container. You donโt want your sandwiches to get squished!
If you want to get a little more creative with your PB&J, try adding some sliced bananas or Nutella. You wonโt need a cooler for these ingredients either. Get crazy with it!
Oatmeal.
You need to start your day off right when youโre camping, and oatmeal is the perfect food to do that. Itโs warm, filling, and will give you the energy you need to explore your surroundings.
You can either make it at home before you leave or at the campsite. If you make it at home, just put all of the ingredients in a Ziploc bag, and then you can add hot water when youโre ready to eat it.
If you make it at the campsite, youโll need to bring a pot or pan to cook it in. No matter how you make it, oatmeal is a great food to bring camping with no cooler.
Tortillas and hummus.
Tortillas are another food that doesnโt require refrigeration and can be used in various ways. Theyโre great because theyโre easy to transport and donโt take up a lot of space. One way is to make wraps with hummus, veggies, and/or avocado.
To make these quick and delicious wraps, simply spread some hummus on a tortilla. Then, add your favorite veggies. I like to use lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Once you have your desired toppings, just roll up the tortilla and enjoy!
Fruits such as apples and grapes.
These are a staple for our camping trips. Fruits are easy to pack, donโt need to be refrigerated, and are a healthy snack option. Plus, theyโll provide you with energy for all your camping activities!
If youโre looking for something a little sweeter, try packing some dried fruits such as raisins or dates. These are also great additions to oatmeal or other breakfast foods.
Crackers and cheese.
Crackers and cheese are classic snack food that doesnโt require refrigeration. And they go great together! If you want something a little heartier, try crackers with peanut butter or Nutella.
For crackers and cheese, I like to pack various cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack. This way, everyone can find the cheese that they want. As for crackers, I usually pack club crackers, Ritz crackers, and/or Triscuits.
To avoid needing a cooler, stick with solid cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss. The softer cheeses such as mozzarella or Brie will need to be kept cold.
Chips and salsa.
This one is everybodyโs favorite! Chips and salsa are the perfect camping food because theyโre easy to pack and donโt require refrigeration.
I like to bring a variety of chips such as tortilla chips, potato chips, and pita chips. This way, thereโs something for everyone. As for salsa, I usually bring mild and medium salsa. But, you can get whatever kind of salsa you like.
Salsa does need to be kept cool after it is opened. So, if youโre planning on eating it right away, you donโt need to worry about keeping it cold. But, if you want it to last longer, I recommend packing it in a cooler.
Canned goods like tuna, chicken, or salmon.
Canned meat such as tuna, chicken, or salmon is an excellent option for camping because it doesnโt need to be refrigerated. Plus, itโs a quick and easy way to get protein. You can eat them straight from the can or add them to a salad or wrap. After all, weโre all about being creative regarding food!
If youโre planning on eating canned meat such as fish or chicken for dinner, I would recommend packing something to go with it, such as rice or pasta. Both can be made on the campfire if you have the right cooking supplies.
Just be sure to pack a can opener!
Jerky of any type.
Hikers love it, and for a good reason. Jerky is the perfect food to bring camping with no cooler because it doesnโt need refrigeration and lasts a long time.
If youโre looking for something different, try making your jerky! Itโs not that difficult, and you can tailor it to your taste preferences. All you need is a food dehydrator and some seasonings. Youโll have to make this at home before your trip, but itโs worth it!
Sโmores ingredients (graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows).
Sโmores are last on the list because theyโre a nighttime campfire dessert. But theyโre still food that doesnโt require refrigeration, so I had to include them.
To make sโmores, all you need are graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. If you want to get fancy, you can also pack some peanut butter or Nutella or try them with Reeceโs peanut butter cups instead of chocolate. But, the classic sโmore is always a hit.
Get out, and donโt worry about the cooler!
When packing food for a camping trip, itโs essential to think about food that doesnโt need refrigeration. This way, you wonโt have to bring along a cooler and can save space in your car or backpack.
There are plenty of food options that donโt require a cooler such as fruits, vegetables, crackers and cheese, chips and salsa, and canned goods. If you bring the right ingredients, you can get creative and make some delicious meals without worrying about keeping food cold.
So, get packing and enjoy your next camping trip! And, of course, donโt forget the sโmores ingredients for a delicious campfire dessert!